Before Revelation: Heaven's View of History

This study is based on the sermon titled Before Revelation: Heaven's View of History by Matthew Maher below.

Before diving into the dramatic prophecies of Revelation, Before Revelation: Heaven’s View of History invites us to step back to Revelation 12—a chapter that zooms out to reveal the cosmic conflict behind all of human history. Pastor Matthew Maher showed that this chapter is not just a detour; it’s the theological center of the book. Here, we see heaven’s panoramic view: the rebellion of Satan, the war that spilled into Eden, and the spiritual battle still raging today. Revelation doesn’t begin with beasts and bowls—it begins with a war in heaven that frames the entire story of redemption.

The symbols of Revelation 12 unfold like a divine storyboard. The woman represents Israel, the Child is Christ, and the red dragon is Satan, who has sought to devour the plan of God from the beginning. We move swiftly from Christ’s birth and ascension to a heavenly war where Michael casts Satan out, leading to intensified persecution on earth. What happens in heaven deeply affects what happens on earth—Satan’s fury increases because he knows his time is short. Yet even in the darkest period of the Great Tribulation, God preserves His people. Wings of protection, the swallowing earth, and Michael’s defense all point to God’s sovereign ability to guard what is His.

The final verses shift focus from Israel to the Tribulation saints—“the rest of her offspring,” believers who remain faithful to God and the Lamb. Revelation 12 reminds us that this war is not fantasy; it’s the unseen reality behind everything. The same dragon who hates Israel also targets the church. But while the dragon rages, the Lamb reigns. His blood secures the victory, and His people overcome by faith, testimony, and unshakable loyalty. As Pastor Matthew declared, this is not the time for the church to shrink back, but to stand firm, speak boldly, and live with eyes fixed on the coming King.